Gabriel Agbonlahor scored a late equaliser as Aston Villa twice came from behind to rescue a 2-2 draw against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Alex McLeish’s team trailed to a Leon Osman goal in the first half but Stiliyan Petrov equalised and, after Leighton Baines’ penalty restored Everton’s lead, Agbonlahor popped up to head Villa level with seven minutes left.

The England forward’s goal extended Villa’s unbeaten start to the season, although they have won only one of their four matches, while Everton have four points from three matches.

The result left Everton frustrated after their first match following the controversial sale of Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta to Arsenal on transfer deadline day.

The game was preceded by a peaceful protest outside the stadium by several hundred supporters frustrated at a lack of investment under chairman Bill Kenwright.

Villa midfielder Jermaine Jenas, who arrived with Alan Hutton from Tottenham on deadline day, was ruled out by a thigh injury, while Everton left their loanees Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi on the bench.

With Ayegbeni Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford having also left Everton and Louis Saha and Victor Anichebe injured, Everton started without a recognised striker.